It’s Race Week, Team Captains!
Race Update #2 is here, and we’re excited to be in the final planning stages for the race. We are setting the course on Thursday and Friday, so any locations shared are now off limits until race day.
I know that we have several emails from some teams on some team updates and changes that are waiting for responses – you will all get responses from me this evening!
Please make sure to read Race Update #1 if you have not had the opportunity or registered after Update #1 was sent out. Each update contains critical information that you need to know.
Race Locations:
Although this was in Update #1, Race headquarters is Lapham Peak State Park. Check-in, pre-race meetings (mandatory), orienteering clinics, and post-race party are all held here.
The bike drop location for the 3 hour race will be shared with Team Captains for the 3 hour race on Thursday of this week. Be courteous to other teams, and please do not share with 8 hour racers.
Paddle transition will not be shared until race day. If you have paddle equipment for the transition area, you will be able to bring it to check-in and put in the paddle trailer. Please note that we are not responsible for gear that is left or unmarked for this transition. Please only bring a bag, paddles and PFDs (if you choose to use your own) – do not bring large boxes or bins as these are difficult to transport and may restrict teams from having their gear moved.
Parking:
Parking at Trecker Lodge will be tight. However, there are 4 other lots (including an overflow) lot. The cold weather may keep others away from the park, so we do not expect major issues. Please plan on coming early for 3 hour race check-in just in case you have to drive to another lot at Lapham Peak.
Bike Selection:
For all racers, we recommend mountain or cross bikes as there will be some off-road riding. However, there will not be penalties enforced for other bike selection. Please be cognizant of potentially slick roads and hilly, unpaved terrain.
Check-in:
Please remember that 8 hour racers do require a single event or annual membership for the USARA. Single events are $8. Please bring exact change.
Until all members of your team have arrived and signed waivers and confirmed USARA membership (8 hour only), you will not receive your packets and maps. Note that we will be doing team pictures this year, so come prepared!
Equipment:
Make sure to read the mandatory equipment list. We will be checking mandatory gear. Please remember a compass – it may be easy to slip your mind, but you will be traversing different terrain, including several orienteering maps (O-Maps), and you will need a compass.
3 hour schedule:
We have made some tweaks to the 3 hour course to allow for better race finish and collaboration. Bike drop will be available AFTER 9:30am and will be located within 15 minutes of race check-in. Please review the schedule at the following official race page:
Food and Post-race Party:
We won’t disappoint – and yes, it’s pizza again this year. We should have multiple deliveries (gluten free as well so I can eat, right?) – so warm food for all. Cold beer, soda, and a spread of many other things. Stay, spend time, socialize, have fun!
Sponsors:
We’ll be posting on Facebook over the week and will share the entire sponsor list in Race Update #3. However, remember that sponsors make all the races in the Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series happen (this sport relies heavily on companies donating goods, services, and more)!
Please take pictures in front of sponsor banners and thank them if you have the opportunity.
Volunteers:
Ben and I do the easy work for 6 months leading up to race day. Our volunteers make it happen. Please thank them on race day!
Lastly… the weather:
Yes, it will be cold, but we’re hoping for a bit of sun. However, this is the exact reason we have MAFF in the fall – it’s an experience! Dress appropriately, bring warm clothes, don’t tip your boats, and just have a blast. We design the race to be scalable, so focus on the disciplines you enjoy the most. If you don’t like paddling, get the minimum CPs and move on. Just have fun!
See you Saturday!
Mike and Ben